DPS Alchemist Wailer 100 RP

A big part of the performance of the ski is thanks to the PHANTOM Permanent Waxless Glide that has been applied (look for the black dot about the toepiece). This magic "glide" (not wax...) makes the ski slide in all conditions. The DPS folks have evolved to version 2.0 and it's pretty amazing. It's a one-time treatment that lasts for the life of any ski or snowboard—not just DPS skis. Check out their little promo video below for the details. If you are in Nelson, visit ROAM Shop. They are one of the few stores in the area that have the tech to apply Phantom. 

Just enough rocker on the tips to facilitate planing. Note the "Paddle Tech" sidecut. This is slightly less pronounced in the 100 than in the 112. The widest part of the ski is just back from the DPS logo. This is also referred to as  5-point sidecut (pioneered by DPS engineers, BTW). 

Not as extreme rocker-wise as some of the earlier Wailer models, the Wailer 100 RP shape sports 480 mm Rocker on the tip and 84 mm on the tails. The first Wailer we skied, without the RP2 designation, had a more pronounced rocker that, in hindsight, seems like overkill.

The Alchemist uses a non-cap, UHMW (Ptex) sidewall construction, and sports a "half-camber" underfoot. It's more difficult to manufacture than a cap construction and may contribute to the ski's remarkable snap. 

New in last year's model is the slightly raised mounting surface underfoot. This likely makes for a bomber binding-to-ski connection. 

The Alchemist carbon build in this ski is a big part of what makes it so special. Light and stiff without the flapping around at speed that came with earlier carbon, rockered skis.

If you want to nerd out on the layup, look to the schematic below. It illustrates what makes the ski so special and may help you justify the hefty price tag if you are considering a purchase.

There's more branding  on the bottom of these skis than on the top. Works for me when I huck my meat over huge gaps and I want everyone below to know what kind of skis I am riding ;o)

• Pure prepreg carbon fibre laminate
• Aspen wood core
• Textured polymide top
• UHMW sidewalls
• Wide profile Rockwell 48 steel edges
• Fast and hard world cup race bases
• Phantom permanent base treatment (optional addition)
• Textured nylon topsheet

DPS positions this as a killer resort ski that doubles as a great touring ski—unless the powder is super deep. I would build on this idea and say that the ski is good in deep pow, too. Because of the 5-point side cut and hefty shovel, the 100s get you up on a plane pretty quick.

Many 110+ underfoot skis tend to bring you up on the surface fast and keep you there.
The 100 tend to ride a little deeper in the snow because there is less flotation. Remember how skinny skis used to be, and how we loved them anyway? The 100s float a little less and may produce more faceshots—what's not to love about that.

In terms of how the ski performs at the resort, early impressions are positive. Groomers are a blast and hard pack is easy to handle. Because the 100 drops a quarter lb. on each ski (compared to the 112s), the swingweight feels a lot less. This comes into play skiing tight trees and when setting an uptrack in the backcountry (switchbacks are a breeze).

My desire was for this ski to have most all of the same properties as the Wailer 112 in a smaller, lighter ski. So far, so very good. I am not an aggressive skier, I prefer a light touch and the Wailer 100s work with my style.  Because the 100s are less wide underfoot that the 112s, they are also easier to get up on an edge. They may even help my knees from exploding for a little longer. 

The PHANTOM Permanent Waxless Glide treatment gets three thumbs up.  After a season-long test—with another pair of skis—I was impressed with remarkable glide in all conditions. I am confident that my experience will be the same this season. HOT TIP: If you are buying direct from DPS, ask them to apply the Phantom Base Glide at the factory. It means your skis will be good to go when they arrive.